While most students were enjoying some much needed down-time during their Christmas vacation, the varsity basketball team at Monsignor Edward Pace High worked hard to continue their training with participation in various games and tournaments.
Known as the “Runnin’ Spartans”, the Pace team hosted 14 other teams at home in the Dade County vs. Florida Shootout on December 21 and 22. There were five games held each day as teams from Dade County faced off against other teams from across the state including Naples, Orlando, Port St. Lucie, Broward County and Martin County.
The Spartans won both of their games with a 78-71 victory over Somerset Academy Central Miramar and a 79-58 win against St. John Neumann. The event was a success thanks to the support of alumni and local businesses sponsors. In addition, several restaurants from Miami Lakes provided food for the hospitality areas available for the coaches and officials.
Following Christmas, the team traveled to Palatka from December 27-29 to play in the Jarvis Williams Holiday Tournament where Pace finished in third place after beating University Christian 78-75. Spartan sophomore, Marcus Frazier was named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging over 20 points per game for the event and had 29 points in the third place game.
During the last weekend before classes resumed, the team participated in the North Broward Preps’s Holiday Tournament from January 4 through the 6 playing against local teams like Coral Reef High School. The Spartans (10-7, 2-1) returned home to defeat Mater Lakes Academy and are set to face Lemon Bay and Edison this week to improve their district record.